Saturday 18 February 2012

Why I Don't Post About Politics



In a recent comment Mr. Charleston of Termites Of Sin said that this blog is never controversial because I stay away from politics and religion. I have been thinking about this comment on and off ever since; it's been bothering me. I like Mr. Charleston very much, his blog is, by turns, funny, acerbic and chatty, and always worth reading. He includes posts on religion and politics, although he keeps their number to an acceptable level.

He is quite right, I do stay away from politics. The thing is that many of my readers are American and Canadian, there are those lovely Aussies too, and a few Europeans sprinkled among the mix. My UK readership is relatively small. I don't know why that should be so, but it is. So whose politics would I discuss? Religion and Politics are not subjects for discussion in drawing rooms in the UK. They are shunned by polite society because they easily cause discord, anger, hurt and leave an unpleasant feeling in the atmosphere, unless all participants are of the same opinion, in which case it's hardly necessary to bring the subjects up. I was brought up in a politically highly charged environment, listening to the men in the family dissecting politicians when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Politics is in my blood. I worked in politics and liked nothing better than to continue the family tradition of riding the politics hobby-horse.

But now I am older. I still have opinions, but they have mellowed; I am one of these infuriating people who 'can see both sides of an argument', although that doesn't mean that I will ever get into bed with bigots or fascists or extremists. I'd call myself a left-leaning middle-of-the-roader, I suppose. My firebrand grandfather would disown me, although he, towards the end of life, regretted having risked his life for people who turned out to be "idiot ingrates, who deserved no better than they got", in his words.

In the blogoverse there are plenty of specialist political bloggers, who address a very particular readership. I don't follow any of them. I am simply not interested. Friko's World is a kind of butterfly blog, touching on this and that, never staying anywhere for long and never getting bogged down in any subject. A bit shallow, you might say, but also inoffensive.

This is my point: if I started to discuss politics I'd have to keep my remarks pretty neutral. Even if I watch some American politics, in particular foreign policy, with open-mouthed incredulity, no American citizen would thank me for expressing my opinion. And no American citizen, no Brit or European, no Aussie or South African, no Indian or Asian would thank me for 'interfering' in matters which 'are none of your business'. I see it a bit like a family, which denounces its own black sheep at every gathering, but is instantly ready to rip to shreds the outsider who dares to join in! We may live in a global village, where every action has repercussions for every inhabitant, but we still close ranks if the family next door mentions the stink coming from our kitchen.

If ever I feel really brave, I might mention why I don't discuss religion.



58 comments:

  1. Who wants to read about politics? All you need to do is open a paper, turn on a radio, television or computer ... here's to a politics-free zone.

    And religion - let's face it, if we mention our own beliefs we are guaranteed to alienate large swathes of folk, if we don't believe we will be pitied, if we believe the wrong flavour we will be villified (possibly not your polite readers). It seems to me there is no health in such a topic.

    Here in exile, the issue I would really like to write about is human rights, but if I do I could get myself into serious trouble. Every communication beyond a whisper on the pillow is monitored so there is not much scope for speaking out. When I have tried ever so subtly to hint at issues my readers have missed my point ...

    Perhaps a blog is more like sitting in a friend's parlour, having a cosy chat, looking over the recent photos and tales of the family, husband and pets.

    So Mdm Friko, let us continue as butterflies in the meadow, never forgetting those paddling, submerged feet.

    Best wishes Isabel

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  2. I will touch on those topics but I try to keep them to a minimum, usually only if I am particularly aggravated about something or if it is pertinent in some way. I dont want to intentionally offend any of my readers but nothing is sacred.

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  3. i hear you...i am pretty vocal when it comes to politics...i was not always that way...i do try to see the various facets, but our govt is scaring me right now with its thought process and policies....

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  4. I am 100 % with you ! Who is interested in Belgian politics ? I only write when it becomes funny because of this silly language war between Flemish and Waloon politicians I may add, because the people don't have any problems with each other. And relgion, that's completely out of question nobody except Americans talk about religion. I think that is a very private thing, and I don't care if you are protestant, catholic, muslim, jew, or nothing. The most important is that you are a good person !

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  5. There are hundreds of places to go if I wish to read political debate. Here, so close to the US we are treated to a full dose of Canadian and US shenanigans. There are fewer places to go if I wish to read true stories of life in towns across the world and observations on real life that make me wince or laugh out loud. If one is looking for politics or decor, blogs are a dime a dozen - blogs like yours, with its wonderful eclecticism a not so easy to find. Please don't change!....now about religion.....

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  6. Your blog is by no means whatsoever shallow and is probably the least so of all the blogs I read. I appreciate it the way it is. For the most part, I don't read political posts unless it is someone I have gotten to know well and I hear their frustration over a particular issue. Somehow, although you may not write about religion, I seem to have a fairly good idea of where you stand on a spiritual basis. Bottom line is I enjoy your blog the way it is with a bit of this and a touch of that.

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  7. Well, as one eclectic blogger to another, your blog is fine without needing to discuss religion or politics. There are plenty of bloggers who seek controversy and plenty who don't, but who still manage to say a lot worth listening to.

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  8. I am a progressive fiscal conservative ;-) But I do not watch our MSNBC liberal station because I do not need to hear/see stuff I agree with. I do watch the political news but only in small doses as most of it makes me so ill. You are probably right in that some US readers may be upset with your comments on our foreign policy...but I would not because I find you rational and intelligent and would like to read you opinions.

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  9. Thanks for your kind words about me Friko. Hope you didn't take my comment about avoiding politics and religion as being critical. Quite the contrary, the fact that you avoid them is one of the primary reasons I enjoy your blog so much. Of course, coupled with a keen whit and writing ability.
    I can't help myself from posting about politics occasionally. It's a character flaw from birth. My degree is in political science. But it's become so tedious that I, like you, am more and more simply tuning it out. There isn't anything I can do about any of it anyway. How does that old saying go... Lord grant me the ability to know what I can change and what I can't and the wisdom to know the difference.

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  10. Another thing crossed my mind. I believe a lot of people post about politics and religion and sex because it drives up readership. There's no doubt that the mention of either in a post title will reward you with hits. I have decided to blog for my own enjoyment and if other people like it, icing on the cake.

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  11. Well Friko I only touch on rel and pol when my head starts to explode at the absurdity/misogyny/racism/unearned privilege/patriarchy - take your pick - of it all.
    This is what I love about our blogs, we can make of it what we will.
    XO
    WWW

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  12. I like your blog the way it is, Friko. Keep doing what you are doing, because you already have a lot of friends who enjoy it.

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  13. ...and thanks for removing word verification. Without it, I can finally post my website URL.

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  14. I try to keep out of politics but I suspect many people can guess my views. (whether they are right or not, is another matter of course)

    I get very bored reading stuff which is exclusively about politics. And sometimes I do feel like saying something about healthcare because it is so terribly important....

    But you are right, butterflies are probably best in blogland!

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  15. I am guilty as charged. Certain political agendas have directly resulted in my being laid off and my lmate mlosing her managerial status due to closing an entire departmentt her hospital. I probably would talk about a thief stealing tens of thousands of dollars from my children, as well.

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  16. Your blogs are rife with religion and politics. The turn of a phrase, the emphasis or lack of emphasis in a photograph. Whether an image has a sheep in it or a skyscraper. Nigerians, Germans, Fish shops, slave labour, loutish men, working women, travel between states, the colour of the sky, little old ladies with opinions, dogs on sofas, afternoon teas and visits between neighbours. all is politics. it is twisted up inside of us like a coil of barbed wire and this cannot be helped.

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  17. Quite frankly, it's politics that I find shallow, not you. So keep doing what you are doing. When I want to be aware of the goings-on in the world, I read the newspaper. I come to blogs for other things. Thank you for offering those other things with intelligence and grace.

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  18. I have discussed both on my blog a little, but not with that sort of THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT POST YOU WILL EVER READ kind of mentality. Some people get so hooked up into molding the world to their likeness that their posts become scary.... because these are the same types who really only bother with people who basically agree with them all the time. Then if you happen to be the person who does not agree, they take malicious enjoyment in bringing your down with snotty, taunting after-comments.
    No Thanks.

    Your blog is chock full of interesting posts, even without the politics & religion.

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  19. Great points about knowing your audience and writing for it, and knowing the risks that come with alienating your audience.

    I think it's weird that Mr. Charleston commented that you never write about politics and religion. Do bloggers need to? Hmm.

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  20. Bloggers who post intensively about politics or religion do , unfortunately , tend to be slightly strange .
    Fortunately there are interesting blogs aplenty . Blogs like yours which capture the essence of a place without being twee or folksy or trivial , and , by their nature , lead by example .

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  21. I don't like to discuss politics and religion with my Better Half. I sure wouldn't discuss it with anyone else.
    I think there are plenty of sites out there that enjoy it so I'll leave it to them. If I want either, I'll just turn on the television.
    I think dwelling on politics all the time is depressing.
    I want to go to the uplifting and lighthearted blogs myself.

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  22. Sometimes one has to speak about politics because politics is involved in almost every aspect of our lives and personally, if I am moved to, I will write about about how we are ruled, the economic situation or any other subject in public life.

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  23. Keep on keeping on, Friko. Your wise words have great impact and your humour and ethics shine through.

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  24. Sounds like we have similar current views though politics has never been in my blood. Now I'm curious about your religious views. I can get really grumpy over those.

    Time for a quick change of subject eh? How's the weather?

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  25. Call me shallow, but listening to people argue politics makes me want to run screaming from the room. Arguing about "religion" is useless, but knowing and sharing the love of God with another would be very special for me, but not on your blog. Your blog, Friko, is real - that's why I read it. Don't change a thing.

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  26. Friko, I obviously like what you post because I keep coming back. Your contributions are interesting and always well written. I get all the politics I can't avoid here in the U.S. thanks to 24/7 cable news and the huge amounts of money being spent to shape public opinion. Butterflies? Whatever; it works and works well. Please keep it up. Jim

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  27. "Friko's World is a kind of butterfly blog, touching on this and that, never staying anywhere for long and never getting bogged down in any subject. A bit shallow . . ."

    Not shallow, rather a respite.

    I take the same attitude for my blog. I "violated" my own rule only once, and, even though the "cause" was directly related to US internet legislation gone wrong, I felt quite uncomfortable introducing a political subject on the blog.

    I endorse what Mr. Chesterton writes in response, as well. Over here, politics have grown so tedious, mean-spirited, and predictable that I find it painful to think about, though I know sometimes I must.

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  28. I like to keep politics and religion at arms length and sit on the fence, i'll only comment on them when the need arises :-).

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  29. I like your blog just as it id - that's why I read it

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  30. To be truthful, I'm so sick of politics and politicians that I really don't care to read political opinion. I like your "butterfly" approach, Friko.

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  31. Thank you for explaining my position so precisely. I don't agree with the butterfly comment but we can't agree on everything, can we? I avoid discussing politics and religion with those I don't know personally in my daily life, and will continue to do so in blogland. I'm glad you didn't suggest you were thinking of changing anything about your blog.

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  32. It is your blog, and a delight. I am not sure about the butterfly image (perhaps a bit ephemeral?). I don't think that opinions on either religion or politics are likely to change after reading a blog post, so you would either be preaching to the converted, boring or infuriating people.
    Instead you share the small things which are the big things (beauty and fun). Don't ever change (unless you want to).

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  33. Politics is in everything. You can't escape it. The items you consume are fraught with politics. Gas prices, home heating, street repair, the quality of schools, debt, jobs or lack thereof are all political issues because they involve other people. It's pretty difficult to never let politics enter your writing, speech, etc.

    Gardens, flowers, dogs and birds, what else matters?

    Children, sometimes. Dianne

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  34. I also shy away from religion and politics on my blogs, since I don't want to foment dissent but make some friends who are interested in what I have to say. I have no problem saying what I feel in a comment left on someone else's post, and I'm pretty sure people read between the lines, but I cannot write with sarcasm and dry wit without copying someone else's style.

    Your blog is very interesting and not at all ephemeral and flighty. In fact, it's pretty darn down to earth! :-)

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  35. I think one should always bear in mind that whatever one writes on the net is always only a google away from anyone who might read it. If one writes about politics or religion -or anything else, for that matter- one should realise one is pinning one's colours to the mast very publicly.

    I'm a radio amateur and it has always been the case that radio amateurs are required to avoid these topics.

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  36. It has become difficult to stay neutral over here. As even people walking in rain turned out to be 'policy'.
    Large demonstrations roam the city nearly on a daily base. Next sceduled for Sunday. Feels as if something is about to be born.
    Please have a kind Sunday you all.

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  37. Friko, this post is yet another reminder to me of how much I do hope that we might eventually find ourselves in the same location, with generous cups/glasses nearby. It will be a delight to actually talk with you.

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  38. I guess my blog has had a comment or two but only in passing while I try to explore other topics. i like you post just fine:)

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  39. Politics? People fighting! Religion? People fighting!
    I stay away from fights.
    Don't like to read about them.
    Write about them only when they're over (and if there's some humour in the situation.)
    Write about what interests you and makes you happy. Followers will then be kindred spirits. Simple!

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  40. I also grew up in a family where politics was the raison d'etre for most things. But like another in this list, to take that further, where I was living, was to risk some sort of scrutiny or difficulty. Nevetherless we dined on politics and international relations each evening. A little further away from home a relative has made her name in the public arena for her commentary. When a radio interviewer asked her about the origins of her interest, she replied, with some surprise, 'talking to dad'. That's how it is. And yet, I confess, with some guilt, actually, the political blogs here bore me. I am not sure whether it is about listening to people who must have an 'Opinion'. I prefer the daily glimpses of humanity I find in in the blogoverse wherever these may be.

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  41. Never been politically minded. Sort of live and let live philosophy.

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  42. Politics rankles and religion polarizes...we have enough of these discussions. Keep doing what you are doing...I love your blog!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  43. I, too, try to stay away from politics and religion on my blog, though I'm probably close enough to the peripheries that people can discern my leanings. In both politics and religion, I side with inclusivity, rather than exclusivity. Your blog is perfect just the way it is, Friko—always unique and entertaining.

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  44. Completely agree with George's comment.

    Sex, politics and religion — the big three — are not out of bounds on my blog. (Nothing much is taboo. Everthing's part of 'life's rich tapestry', as they say.) They just sneak in at the edges.

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  45. Dear Friko,
    Your blog is not a butterfly. It is more like a spreading oak tree--rooted and majestic. It is a gift to all of us who read your postings. You share with us a life that seems rich in experience; wide in friendship; deep in the realization of beauty.

    Peace.

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  46. I couldn't agree more. I rarely go into either of those topics -- they're too hot. And you know, people are people. I may get frustrated with those who don't see things as I do, but that doesn't mean they aren't wonderful people who don't appreciate so many of the things I do love. So, I try to steer clear. And yes, do international readers care? I think for the most part, not. I couldn't have said it more eloquently.

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  47. Again your post moves me to shout an "Amen."

    Today I violated this wise policy, but so far folks have been very nice about it. I was/am concerned and probably will NOT venture into the overtly political again.

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  48. Rest assured Friko, as a US citizen I would welcome your personal response in regard to American policy making.

    We are multi-faceted human beings that now live in a global world. While the minutia of local politics may hold little interest, there is plenty that has far reaching consequences. Locally there is no doubt that the Occupy movement helped us get a bill on corporate taxing to the Governor's desk. If she vetoes, she will do it at her own political peril. A local account of the 99% demanding a fair shake will hold interest for me. Politics is about policy making that has a profound effects on everyone. When we do not engage, we seem like children, shrugging off the responsibilities of adults.

    I believe we need more, not less civil discourse. Despite all the media, the lack of knowledge in US citizens is frightening.

    While I have grown older, things such as the death penalty that our Governor wants to reinstate, only a few years after it's abolishment, leave me more, not less infuriated - and ashamed.

    Finally I am afraid that if we stay silent on things that matter, we become complicit. As one with German heritage, this is of great concern to me. So I challenge you to make the political personal, abandon any notions of neutrality and give us a piece of your mind on what matters to you on that level as well.

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  49. I steer clear of politics on my blog also. I have all the extremes in my family. I tend to be like you, I think, when it comes to my own leanings. I've been accused of leaning one way of the other by various family members who disagree with me on various topics.

    I get enough politics through the media and in the family. I don't want to discuss it on my blog.

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  50. While I avoid partisan politics and institutional religion on my blog for all of the reasons so well outlined above, I am not above sneaking in a value judgment from time to time, or even a bit of a moral, in an Aesop's fable sort of way.

    But that's the beauty of storytelling and memoir. We can get away with such without getting labels pinned on us, or someone storming the ramparts. I've seen you do it a time or two.

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  51. Shallow? I don't think so. Your values appear in your choice of post topics, your turn of phrase and wide vocabulary. If you think of your blog as alighting here and there on inconsequential things, I beg to differ. Gardens, pubs, parties, marriage - these are things that real life is made of.

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  52. Well, I have tried to confine most of my political talk to my Facebook page but the carrying-ons of the past week in the US has so annoyed me that I've a political post scheduled for Monday.

    So far I've tried not to talk about religion, at least... And I don't know enough about politics in other countries to have any opinion there.

    That said, I'd probably enjoy hearing you hold forth on politics and religion.

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  53. Politics and religion have become powder kegs in the US. I always found it pointless to discuss either. The people who agree with you already do, so like you said-why bother, and the ones who don't just want to fight. I hate fighting. Avoid it. So, therefore, I avoid blogs that rant political or that start lecturing me about God and toss out bible verses to back their opinions about who's going to hell in a handbasket. Can't we all just get along. *sigh*

    Thank goodness I am shallow, like you--ROFL!! ;) I love your blog, lady!!

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  54. Very interesting and wise words. I'm a bit of a fencer on many issues - in that I can see both sides... but I have strong opinions. AND I have mellowed with age. My time just isn't worth spending on politics OR religion with people who want to argue their case... With that said, I'd love to hear why you don't discuss religion. I'm sure it would be very educational, a life lesson learned sort of thing...

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  55. It would be hard to find something to say about a lot of current politics that hasn't already been said. And as for religion - well, I tend to feel that discussing someone's religion is like commenting on their marriage or their mother - I might have my opinions but they're not for public consumption. On the other hand, if their religion is being offered as an (incontrovertible) excuse for imposing their opinions on me, that's another matter: but that was where I came in.

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  56. Hi Friko - glad you don't blog on those aspects - so agree with you - eloquently put. I'm the same .. I do some gentle prodding when I post some things to give the Americans a reminder that life over here is/was slightly different .. but it's not overt!

    Someone said they'd never realised that there's a pile of plastic flotsam and jetsam in the Pacific off Hawaii - that's larger than Wales (not that they'd know how large or small that is either) .. and they live on the Pacific Coast and have a degree .. and ... makes me wonder sometimes.

    Someone else posted about their politics - that's it I'm off ..

    Cheers - but I'll stay here! Hilary

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Comments are good, I like to know what you think of my posts. I know you'll keep it civil.